He did but clasp her hand, assuring the Frau von Rudiger that no word of hers could irritate him.

'Nothing can make me forget that you are Clotilde's mother.

You are the mother of the lady I love, and may say what you will to me, madame.

I bear it.' 'A man spotted with every iniquity the world abhors, and I am to see him holding my daughter by the hand!--it is too abominable! And because there is no one present to chastise him, he dares to address me and talk of his foul passion for my daughter.

I repeat: that which you have to do is to go.